Are you selling or buying on Flipkart for business purposes?
Then, adding your GST number is not just a formality; it is a legal requirement. Whether you are a seller offering goods on the platform or a business buyer who wants to claim GST credit, your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) needs to be added correctly on Flipkart.
In this guide, we will walk you through what a GST number is, why it is essential, and how you can add or update it easily on Flipkart, whether you are a buyer or a seller.
What is a GST Number?
A GST Number, also known as a GSTIN, is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to businesses and individuals registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India.
It consists of:
- State Code (First 2 digits)
- Your PAN Number (Next 10 characters)
- Entity Number (13th digit)
- Default Letter (usually Z)
- Check Code (Last digit to verify the number)
Example: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5
This number helps the government and businesses identify you for tax purposes. You must have a GSTIN if you are making interstate sales or selling online, such as on Flipkart.
Why is Adding Your GST Number Important on Flipkart?
Adding your GSTIN on Flipkart is crucial for several reasons:
For Buyers:
- Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC): You can get back the GST you paid—but only if your correct GSTIN is on the invoice.
- Get GST-Compliant Invoices: Flipkart will issue invoices that include your GST number.
For Sellers:
- Issue Valid Invoices: Flipkart auto-generates your invoices. Your GSTIN must be on them to make them legally valid.
- Get Credit for TCS: Flipkart deducts 1% tax (TCS) and reports it to the government. You can claim this only if your GSTIN is added.
- Avoid Penalties: Wrong or missing GST numbers can result in fines or denial of input credit.
- Gain the Trust of Banks & Buyers: Correct GST details add credibility to your business.
Two Types of Users Who Need to Add GST Number on Flipkart
- Buyers (Businesses purchasing for office, resale, etc.)
If you are buying on Flipkart as a registered business and want to claim ITC, you need to add your GSTIN during checkout using the “Use GST Invoice” option.
- Sellers (Merchants listing and selling on Flipkart)
If you are selling products on Flipkart, you must add your GSTIN in the Seller Hub. Flipkart uses this to generate invoices and report taxes correctly.
Eligibility – What You Will Need Before You Start
Before adding your GSTIN, make sure you have the following:
- A valid GST registration certificate (Form REG-06)
- Correct 15-digit GSTIN
- Login access to your Flipkart account (buyer or seller)
- Your address must match the state code in the GSTIN
- If you are a seller updating your GSTIN, keep:
- A canceled cheque with your business name
- Proof of warehouse or business location (Additional Place of Business) registered on the GST portal
Steps to Add GST Number on Flipkart
A. For Buyers (Adding GST at Checkout)
- Add Products to Cart – Only items with the “GST Invoice Available” label are eligible.
- Click “Buy Now” or proceed to the cart and then checkout.
- Tick the “Use GST Invoice” option.
- Enter your 15-digit GSTIN and legal business name.
- Ensure the delivery address is in the same state as your GSTIN.
- Place the order. Once the order is confirmed, you cannot change or add GSTIN later.
Note: You can complete this task on both the desktop site and the mobile app.
B. For Sellers (Using Seller Hub)
- First-Time GSTIN Addition
- Log in to Flipkart Seller Hub
- Go to Account Settings > GST Details
- Enter your GSTIN, upload your registration certificate (PDF under 2MB)
- Assign the GSTIN to each warehouse or pick-up location
- Submit for verification: Takes up to 24 hours. Your listings stay inactive until GST is verified.
- Replacing an Existing GSTIN
- Go to GST Details
- Click Edit next to the old GSTIN
- Delete it, then add the new one
- Upload the updated GST certificate and warehouse approval (APOB)
- Save and wait for re-verification. Meanwhile, listings stay live, but invoices will still show the old GSTIN until approval.
Post-GSTIN Compliance You Must Follow
Once your GSTIN is added and verified, you need to stay compliant:
- Keep your Flipkart invoices for at least 6 years (as required by GST law).
- Reconcile monthly: Download Flipkart’s TCS reports and match them with your GSTR-2A/2 B.
- File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns on time to avoid blocking of e-way bills or suspension of Flipkart access.
- Update the Additional Place of Business (APOB) if you start using a new warehouse in another state.
- Correct mismatches: If your GST return does not match Flipkart invoices, correct it in the next return cycle and retain the proof.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering the wrong GSTIN or PAN
- Using an expired or cancelled GST number
- The delivery address does not match the state code in GSTIN (for buyers)
- Trying to add GSTIN after placing the order (not allowed)
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
- Not mapping GSTIN to each warehouse or pick-up location
- Ignoring re-verification status (old GSTIN may still be used)
- Not saving invoices for audit purposes
Conclusion
Adding your GST number to Flipkart is a simple yet essential step to ensure your business runs smoothly and lawfully. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, entering and verifying your GSTIN ensures that you receive correct invoices, claim tax benefits, and stay compliant with GST regulations.
Take a few minutes to update your GST details correctly; it can save you time, penalties, and lost tax credits in the long run.
Related Services
